Ulis’s double-double helps Wildcats get 78-53 victory

Lexington KY – Sophomore point guard Tyler Ulis chalked up another career double double with 19 points and 10 assists to help lead the No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats to an 78-53 over visiting Alabama Crimson Tide in a sold-out Rupp Arena Tuesday night.

“He’s a pro.” said Alabama coach Avery Johnson. “He can play on the professional level. He’s probably better than a lot of the guys who are there now. He’s good, man. He can do everything.”

Kentucky (21-7, 11-4) used a 10-1 run early in the 1st half to go up 15-8 off a Tyler Ulis made jumper at the 14:34 mark. The Wildcats would lead the Crimson Tide (16-11,7-8) the rest of the game. The Tide responded with a 7-2 run to pull within two point 17-15 with 9:17 minutes remaining in the first half. The first half was wrapped up with a Retin Obasohan made Layup, but Alabama went into the half down 12 points 33-21.

Alex Poythress- Photo Credit Brendon Miller/ Midwest News & Sports

The second half began at the free-throw line, but the Kentucky Wildcats built a 15 point lead by the 13:31 mark leading the Crimson Tide 47-32. Tyler Ulis layup with 4:52 remaining in the game gave UK its largest lead of the game at 72-48. Alex Poythress returned to the lineup after sitting out from a knee injury contributing 14 points in 17 minutes of play.

Senior Alabama guard Retin Obasohan led the Crimson Tide with 29 points on 9 of 13 shooing from the field. Obasohan also pulled down 5 rebounds and got to the free throw line for 12 attempts while converting 10 in the loss for the Crimson Tide.

Freshman Jamal Murray celebrated his 19th birthday while leading the Wildcats with a team high 23 points and 4 rebounds.

With this win the No. 16 Wildcats improve to 21-7 overall. Next up will be a conference matchup with the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday at 4pm.